Influence of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on perioperative period (a pilot study)

Objective. To evaluate influence of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on perioperative surgery results. Materials and methods. The prospective study included 51 patients in whom routine abdominal and retroperitoneal surgeries were performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: study group and control group. In both groups surgeries were performed in identical conditions. In preoperative period control group (n=27) patients kept to a traditional protocol of preoperative fasting that meant consumption of solid food no later than 6 hours before the surgery and consumption of clear transparent liquids no later than 2 hours before the surgery. The patients in study group (n=24) consumed a carbohydrate drink before surgery (33.5 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of hydrolyzed protein in 100 ml): 400 ml in the evening before surgery and 200 ml 2 hours before surgery. Results. No differences in perioperative glycemia levels were observed, intraoperative infusion volume was lower, hemodynamic parameters were more stable, and the number of patients with organ dysfunction was significantly lower in the study group in comparison with control group. Conclusion. Preoperative carbohydrate loading resulted in decrease of infusion volume and more stable hemodynamic parameters in the intraoperative period as well as in decrease of organ dysfunction manifestations.

carbohydrate drink, preoperative carbohydrate loading, hyperglycemia, infusion therapy